Lysevegen (Road 500)
Norway, europe
30 km
920 m
difficult
June to September
# Lysevegen: Norway's Most Thrilling Mountain Road
Ready for one of Scandinavia's most unforgettable drives? Lysevegen (Road 500) is a jaw-dropping 30-kilometer mountain road that'll have you gripping the wheel—in the best way possible. Tucked in Rogaland county, it connects the stunning Lysefjord with the remote Sirdal valley, and trust us, it's every bit as dramatic as it sounds.
Starting from sea level at the Lysebotn ferry terminal, you'll immediately understand why locals call this place special. The road doesn't mess around—it launches into 27 heart-pounding hairpin bends as you climb 920 meters. But here's where it gets really wild: there's an actual spiral tunnel carved right through the mountain that twists a full 360 degrees to help you gain elevation. It's a engineering marvel that'll make you forget you're driving and make you feel like you're in an action movie instead.
Once you summit that crazy climb, the landscape does a complete 180. You'll emerge onto an otherworldly high plateau scattered with pristine lakes, boggy terrain, and endless open heathland—a stunning contrast to the deep, narrow fjord that stretches far below you.
The Lysefjord itself is legendary among adventurers. You've probably seen photos of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), that iconic 604-meter flat-topped cliff that drops straight into the water, or Kjeragbolten, the famous boulder wedged impossibly into a mountain crevice. Lysevegen gives you the most spectacular road access to all of this, though you can always reach the fjord by boat if you prefer a less adrenaline-fueled approach.
Where is it?
Lysevegen (Road 500) is located in Rogaland, Norway (europe). Coordinates: 59.0547, 6.6458
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for This Route
This scenic drive is only open from June through September, so plan your visit during those months. The highlight is definitely the mind-bending 360-degree spiral tunnel—it's a wild experience that'll mess with your sense of direction a bit, but don't worry, it's well-lit and safe.
While you're in the area, you've got to combine this with a ferry ride across the stunning Lysefjord. It's absolutely worth the extra time. And if you're up for it, throw in a hike to Preikestolen (that iconic cliff with the amazing views). It's the perfect way to spend a day exploring.
One heads-up though: if you're driving a big rig or have a large vehicle, this route isn't the best fit. The roads work much better for regular cars and smaller vehicles, so keep that in mind when planning.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Rogaland
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 920 m
- Difficulty
- difficult
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- June to September
- Coordinates
- 59.0547, 6.6458
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